Abstract: A positioning system of guide elements of a conveyor of articles comprises: at least one guide positioning unit comprising a guide positioning element adapted to be operatively associated with a respective guide element for the positioning thereof; a system of traction-transmitting cables operatively associated with the guide positioning unit, for transmitting traction forces; at least one traction unit associated with the system of traction-transmitting cables for exerting traction forces on the system of traction-transmitting cables. The guide positioning unit is either a driven guide positioning unit (133), wherein the guide positioning element is caused to be moved by the traction forces transmitted by the system of traction-transmitting cables, or a driving guide positioning unit, comprising a motor group associated with the guide positioning element.

Abstract: The containers (B) are suspended, via their neck support ring (8) or the like, on under-neck guides (305a; 305b) of a conveyor (3) and are transported along said under-neck guides, preferably under drive of air jets. The underside of each neck support ring (8) is treated so as to make said underside more slippery onto the under-neck guides (305a; 305b). In particular, said treatment of the underside of the neck support ring is made by applying a lubricant in liquid form, such as for example silicon oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for levitating objects has an elongated diaphragm and a transducer. The diaphragm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is fixed to a horn and the second end portion is fixed to a supporting member. The transducer is connected to only the horn. The transducer vibrates the diaphragm and an object is levitated above a surface of the diaphragm by radiation pressure of a sound wave generated from the diaphragm. Therefore, the elongated diaphragm can be vibrated by one transducer in a stable condition with a simple structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air conveyor for conveying articles with a collar and a head arranged above that, in particular plastic bottles along a conveyor channel having two carrying strips arranged along the conveyor channel on which the articles are conveyed by suspending them from the collars, and having a head space having inclined side walls formed above the carrying strips. Air nozzles, which act upon the heads of the articles, are provided in the inclined side walls. This counteracts a tendency of the articles to become tilted or jammed together.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for a particulate material to be conveyed, e.g., a synthetic resin granulate or powder, with a plurality of handling devices (30, 31) for processing the conveyed material, a storage bin (20) for the material to be conveyed, a conveying line (2) provided with a suction probe (1) for withdrawing the material to be conveyed from the storage bin, and a negative pressure source (4) connected to the handling devices via a suction line (7). The handling devices (30, 31) are all connected to a common conveying line (2), and a control member (8) is provided on the suction probe (1) to control the air volume going through the conveying line (2). This control member is controlled by an air pressure sensor (5) disposed on the suction line (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for passing heavily flowing bulk material into a delivery pipe. Said device comprises a turbulence chamber (4) to which the delivery pipe (6) can be connected from the outside in such a way that the delivery pipe (6) forms an inlet (8) in a lateral wall of the turbulence chamber (4), and a device for producing a gas flow inside the turbulence chamber (4), the gas flow being oriented in the direction of the inlet (8). A blowing plate (24) is arranged in the lateral wall of the turbulence chamber (4), in the direct vicinity of the inlet (8). A fluidisation gas can be passed into the turbulence chamber (4) by means of said blowing plate.

Abstract: A device for transferring pulverulent material, for example, powdery material, including an enclosure (3) wherein the pulverulent material to be transferred is stirred and pressurized; a first pipe (8) and a second pipe (9) which transport the material towards its destination; and a gas intake (14, 15) for introducing gas to the second pipe (9). In one aspect of the invention, pipe (8) forms a nozzle (12), oriented in the direction of the material flow and directed toward second pipe (9). The gas intake (14, 15) may emerge at the lower end of the first pipe (8), outside the nozzle (12), wherein the gas is introduced into the second pipe (9) through a plurality of through orifices (20) oriented substantially parallel to the flow direction of the pulverulent material.

Abstract: A method for transferring an object levitated by sound waves from a transporting device to an unloading device. The transporting device includes a transporting vibrator, which levitates the object with sound waves. The unloading device includes an unloading vibrator mounted on a platform. The platform is arranged at a predetermined position below the object, at which the distance between the top surface of the unloading vibrator and the bottom surface of the object is less than one half the wavelength of a standing wave generated by the unloading vibrator. The platform is then moved upward toward the object from the predetermined position to levitate the object. The unloading vibrator generates sound waves to levitate the object. The object is then levitated by the platform to a position at which the levitating force of the transporting vibrator does not affect the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of conveyors for containers of plastic, for example PET, with protruding neck rings. In particular, the apparatus (1) comprises a supporting structure (4) that mounts a track (5) which supports the containers by their neck rings (3). The apparatus further comprises means for propelling the containers along the feed path and means for detecting jammed containers along the feed path. At least one pusher (7) is mounted on the supporting structure (4) to act on the containers when a jam is detected.

Abstract: The anti-contamination apparatus includes a transport enclosure (13) which has a input face (26) having an opening to admit the recipients and which contains: a guide rail capable of supporting the recipients by their protuberances; an inverted U-shaped longitudinal transport channel the legs of which surmount the guide rail. The apparatus further comprises a pneumatic device for blowing air in a direction (G) globally opposite to direction T of transport of the recipients, the device being capable of forming a frontal escape of air, from the inside towards the outside of the enclosure, via the admission opening of the input face (26).

Abstract: A discharge valve plate of the type used in the conduit between an exhauster fan and a riffle box in a coal fine delivery system for a coal-fired combustion chamber in a power plant. The axis of rotation of the discharge valve plate is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the exhauster fan, such that the valve plate bisects the flow of coal fines from the exhauster fan into upper and lower flows, each having heavy and light distributions across the width of the conduit. The discharge valve plate is provided with diffuser elements engaging the upper and lower flows to cause the heavy and light flow distributions to mix prior to reaching the riffle box.

Abstract: A series of pneumatically controlled linear reciprocating actuators adjust the lateral spacing of a conveyor slot between opposed flanges of an air conveyor employed in conveying plastic bottles suspended by their neck rings in the conveyor slot to quickly change over the air conveyor for conveying plastic bottles of different neck and neck ring diameters.

Abstract: In a compressed air conveyor of the type which comprises a supply of compressed air 2, a track comprising a plurality of air passage 3,4,5 each air passage being connected to the supply of compressed air 2, and configured to provide a jet of air with a substantial component of motion in the direction of the track and guide means for suspending the article so that in use the article is propelled by the air jets along the track while suspended by the guide means, the guide means comprising guide parts 6 and 7, means are provided for altering the distance between the guide part 6 and 7 in curved sections,

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying objects by air blowing including at least one transfer line along which the objects can be conveyed, a loader connected to the transfer line for loading the objects onto the line, and a blower cooperative with the line and the loader. The blower is capable of propelling the objects along the line with a stream of air. The blower includes a first blower cooperative with the loader and a second blower positioned along the transfer line and cooperative therewith. The first blower is suitable for propelling the objects from the loader onto the line. The first blower is detachably connected to the loader independent of the transfer line. The second blower is capable of propelling the objects along the line with a stream of air subsequent to the loader.

Abstract: A sheet guiding device having a top plate formed with a smooth side facing towards sheets to be guided past the device, includes at least one depression defining at least one connecting region, the at least one depression being formed in the top plate from the smooth side thereof, and at least one rear element fastened to a rear side of the top plate and having at least one connecting portion assigned to the at least one connecting region, the at least one rear element bearing against the top plate and being connected thereto by laser weld seams forming a connection to the top plate at the at least one connecting region defined by the at least one depression, the at least one depression formed in the top plate being deeper than any deformation induced by the laser weld seams; and method of producing the device.

Abstract: A method and device for conveying a ribbon of crimped material includes an air mover, a plenum connected to the air mover to receive air from the air mover, a series of directional slits and side walls. The directional slits air in fluid communication with the plenum so that air from the plenum exits through the directional slits in a predetermined direction. The directional slits are arranged in a generally planar configuration to form a conveyance track. The sides walls are provided on either side of the conveyance track to extend above the conveyance track. The crimped material may be a planar band of crimped fiber, such as a planar band of crimped acetate fiber. The crimps may extend in an up-and-down direction or in a back-and-forth direction. The plenum may be formed of a pair of elongated support pieces with cutout portions in the elongated support pieces.

Abstract: A conveying device with a diverter is disclosed for conveying lightweight unstable articles, such as plastic bottles having a neck portion with a neck ring thereon. The unstable articles are conveyed along a first path established by a first guide unit to different ones of plural second paths established by a plurality of second guide units through a third path established by a third guide unit having a diverter to align a first end of the third path with the first path and to move the second end of the third path for alignment with the different ones of the plural second paths with a deviation in the third path between the ends thereof being established during aligning movement of the second end of the third path by flexing of a flexible bar positioned adjacent to the third path.

Abstract: A duct cleaning apparatus for cleaning an inside surface of a duct including an elongated flexible element extending inside the duct having a first end supported in the duct spaced from an inside surface, a second opposed free end and having a length sufficient to engage the inside surface of the duct, preferably greater than the diameter of the duct. Fluid flow through the duct, particularly turbulent flow, causes the elongated flexible element to oscillate or flap, striking the inside surface and removing foreign material from a predetermined portion of the inside surface of the duct. The apparatus of this invention may be used to create a fire break, for example, by removing flammable particles or dust from an area of the duct, preventing a flame from propagating along the duct through the flammable material.

Abstract: A device for conveying objects having a protuberance at their neck including a blowing chamber for blowing an air flux for driving the objects and a support rail cooperating with the objects at the protuberance. The chamber includes a body and a plate removably attached thereto. The support rail is fixed to the plate. There are at least two frame members on either side of the rail along the blowing chamber.

Abstract: A braking system is provided along one of a pair of guide rails of an air conveyor that transports plastic bottles along a pathway between the pair of guide rails. The braking system is selectively actuated to move into the pathway defined by the guide rails decreasing its width and positioning a stop of the braking system in the pathway where it will engage with bottles conveyed by the air conveyor slowing and eventually stopping the bottles.

Abstract: A duct cleaning apparatus for cleaning an inside surface of a duct including an elongated flexible element extending inside the duct having a first end supported in the duct spaced from an inside surface, a second opposed free end and having a length sufficient to engage the inside surface of the duct, preferably greater than the diameter of the duct. Fluid flow through the duct, particularly turbulent flow, causes the elongated flexible element to oscillate or flap, striking the inside surface and removing foreign material from a predetermined portion of the inside surface of the duct. The apparatus of this invention may be used to create a fire break, for example, by removing flammable particles or dust from an area of the duct, preventing a flame from propagating along the duct through the flammable material.

Abstract: A multichannel pivoting coupling between an upstream multichannel air conveyor and a downstream multichannel air conveyor includes a mechanism that can be selectively controlled to simultaneously adjust the lateral width dimensions of the slots between opposed flanges of the coupling to coincide with adjustments in the lateral width dimensions of the slots between the opposed flanges of the upstream and downstream multichannel air conveyors. The multichannel air conveyors of the type employed with the pivoting coupling apparatus convey streams of plastic bottles suspended by their neck rings in the slots and the lateral spacing between pairs of flanges that define the slots can be quickly changed over for conveying plastic bottles of different neck dimensions and different neck ring diameters.

Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.

Abstract: An interchange apparatus for a pneumatic conveying system including a plurality of branch tubes joined together at an acute angle in an interchange chamber to form a main tube and a flap positioned between at least two branch tubes of the plurality of branch tubes at the end of the interchange chamber, the flap faces the branch tubes and is swivelable between a first position and a second position. The flap is held in each position by a holding device such that when the flap is positioned in the first position there is a connection between a first branch tube and the main tube, and when the flap is positioned in a second position there is a connection between a second branch tube and the main tube. In one embodiment the flap is switched from a first position to a second position by the passage of the cylindrical objects through the interchanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of conveyors for containers of plastic, for example PET, with protruding neck rings. In particular, the apparatus (1) comprises a supporting structure (4) that mounts a track (5) which supports the containers by their neck rings (3). The apparatus further comprises means for propelling the containers along the feed path and means for detecting jammed containers along the feed path. At least one pusher (7) is mounted on the supporting structure (4) to act on the containers when a jam is detected.

Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a pneumatic conveyor for supporting the articles to be conveyed and air under pressure in the conveyor to convey the articles, wherein the conveyor includes a first elongated channel with a first hollow interior volume, a second elongated channel communicating with the first elongated channel and having a second hollow interior volume, with the communication between the first and second elongated channels including openings in the second elongated channel to permit the flow of air under pressure from the first elongated channel to the second elongated channel. Control is provided to control the amount of air flowing through the openings responsive to the density of the population of articles along the conveyor.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for the dispensing of ultra-fine particles on a dry basis in a reproducible manner. The apparatus includes a first gas-solids suspension chamber having particle fluidization means adapted thereto, and a conduit adapted between the first gas-solids chamber and a second gas-solids chamber for communicating via at least one particle orifice particles between the chambers. A high velocity gas stream provides a pressure difference between the chambers whereby a low pressure zone is created within the conduit thereby drawing in particles from the first gas-solids suspension chamber into the second gas-solids suspension chamber via the conduit. The apparatus further includes a combination of a withdrawal feed and a solenoid valve to direct particles from the second gas-solids suspension chamber into a collection area.

Abstract: A water slide for semiconductor wafer processing minimizes water usage by confining water to flow within spaced-apart grooves in the absence of a wafer. When a wafer passes down the water slide, a meniscus of water formed above the grooves is spread out to occupy the space underneath the wafer and prevent it from contacting the water slide as the wafer travels down the water slide.

Abstract: A unidirectional gate disposed between interconnecting fluid transport regions in a manufacturing process. The gate allows workpieces to pass from a first transport region to a second transport region but prevents them from returning to the first region after having passed into the second region. The gate may specifically be used in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, especially where wafers exit a water track into a cassette.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention include first and second sets of louvers which extend through the conveying surface for creating downstream and upstream force vectors of air which serve the dual function of creating a low pressure area under unstable, lightweight, upright containers to hold them in an upright position while simultaneously enveloping the side walls of the containers in vertical columns of air which moves along a substantially vertical force vector to further assist in holding them in an upright position as they move from an upstream location to a downstream location along the surface of an air conveyor. This is accomplished by the use of lance and coined louvers arranged in a predetermined pattern to provide both upstream and downstream force vectors of air as well as substantially vertical force vectors of air. Alternatively, an array of trapezoidal louvers can be used in conjunction with an interspersed array of vertical openings in a deck plate to provide the same dual function.

Abstract: A device for conveying empty bottles in a hanging arrangement applicable to the conveyance of bottles made of plastics material, the bottles including a flange in the region of their neck, the flange being partially introduced and guided in lateral channels whose open sides face each other, the flange resting on the lower edge of the respective channel and being in a position to slide along the channels, outlets for insufflating pressurized air from lateral ducts having been provided inside the channels. Above the path traced by the necks of the bottles extends a duct which opens onto the path at a slot and is connected to a suction device that generates a negative pressure.

Abstract: In a process of making gas laid products by entraining particles at least partially coated with a binder in a gaseous stream, passing the stream through a forming chamber and through a permeable collecting surface where the particles build up to form a product like fiber glass insulation, this invention prevents particles from contacting and building up on the walls of the forming chamber and causing wet spots in the finished product by maintaining a high velocity, high pressure layer of gas close to the exposed surface of the walls of the chamber and moving in the general direction of the gaseous stream. This is accomplished by apparatus including a plurality of plenum boxes forming the walls of the forming chamber with the surface exposed to the gaseous stream having gas directing openings therein. Also, an improved method of applying the binder to the particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a spool valve into a valve bore of a body by providing compressed gas to the valve bore at a pressure below the pressure of compressed gas supplied to a passage within a carrier body containing a spool valve substantially concentrically aligned with the valve bore to advance the spool valve from the passage into the valve bore. The compressed gas in the passage provides a force acting generally uniformly on the spool valve substantially concentrically aligning the spool valve within the passage. The compressed gas supplied to the valve bore also acts substantially uniformly on the spool valve tending to substantially concentrically align the spool valve within the valve bore when the spool valve is advanced therein. While the gas in the passage and the valve bore align the spool valve, the higher pressure of the gas in the passage advances the spool valve into the valve bore.

Abstract: In a process of making gas laid products by entraining particles including fibers at least partially coated with a binder in a gaseous stream, passing the stream through a forming chamber and through a permeable collecting surface where the particles including fibers build up to form a product like fiber glass insulation, this invention prevents particles including fibers from contacting and building up on the walls of the forming chamber and causing wet spots in the finished product by maintaining a high velocity, high pressure layer of gas close to the exposed surface of the walls of the chamber and moving in the general direction of the gaseous stream. This is accomplished by apparatus including a plurality of plenum boxes forming the walls of the forming chamber with the surface exposed to the gaseous stream having gas directing openings therein.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying an article has an upper portion and a lower portion below the upper portion. The conveyor system comprises a guide mechanism configured for engaging the upper portion of the article in a manner so that the article is suspended from the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is further configured for guiding the article in its suspended orientation along a conveyor pathway defined by the guide mechanism, the conveyor pathway having a lateral curve. The conveyor system further includes at least one air nozzle for connection to a source of pressurized air. The air nozzle is oriented for directing a stream of air in a direction generally adjacent the lateral curve and in a manner such that the stream of air blows against the lower portion of the article when the article is moving along the lateral curve of the conveyor pathway to counter inertial forces which tend to cause the article to deviate from the conveyor pathway.

Abstract: An air-conveying apparatus for moving articles along a path of travel at varying speeds comprises in combination a pneumatic conveyor for supporting the articles, a fan operatively coupled to the conveyor to provide air under pressure to the pneumatic conveyor to convey the articles there along, a damper to restrict the flow of air through the fan, and a controller responsive to a signal to vary the positioning of the damper and thereby vary the flow of air through the fan and consequently vary the speed of the articles being conveyed.

Abstract: A height adjustable conveyor system conveys articles between different heights as needed. The conveyor system includes guides that support the neck rings of articles to be conveyed, and the guides are mounted on an air conveyor having multiple sections so that the guides are caused to be flexed by different movements of the air conveyor sections. The air conveyor has pivotably coupled first, second, and third sections with the first section being vertically adjustable with respect to the third section and the second section being between and tiltable with respect to the first and third sections to thereby flex the guides as necessary to readily effect article height variations as needed between the input and the output of the system. Relative movement between the three sections of the air conveyor is effected by a lever pivotably connected with a fixed support and the first section of the air conveyor with the lever being actuated by a crank.

Abstract: Filling apparatus and method of operation are provided for rapid, selectively controlled filling of flexible, plastic, webbed containers with a liquid. The apparatus includes a cutter which separates the lead container from the web whereupon a shuttle delivers the separated container to a filling head. The filling head rapidly loads the container with the desired liquid whereupon the container is thereafter directed from the filling head along a specially constructed air table. Programmable controlls allow precise movement of the container handling and filling operation to ensure rapid and efficient container loading.

Abstract: An air tunnel track interface attaches to a can testing apparatus for receiving cans from the output of the can testing apparatus and transferring them to a conveyor system. The air tunnel track interface comprises two parallel substantially U-shaped tracks each having an air chamber, a plurality of air louver jets and diverging ends, and a pair of parallel discharge plates each having diverging cutouts for mating with the diverging ends of the U-shaped tracks.

Abstract: A damperless, controlled speed, coverless, isometric air conveyor and method for conveying lightweight containers en masse or individually at a controlled speed includes a first set of louvers extending through a conveyor surface from a common plenum at an incline to a conveying surface so that the air passing through the louvers has a downstream force vector of a first magnitude. A second set of louvers extend through the conveyor surface from the common plenum at an incline to the conveyor surface so that the air passing through the louvers has an upstream force vector of a second magnitude which is less than the first magnitude thereby creating a vector force differential in the downstream direction at any given location under the bottom of each container to cause movement of the containers in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of vents which direct the flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. Guide plates extend along both sides of the predetermined path for supporting the articles in a generally upright position as the articles are moved along the path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of deflectors mounted therewith, which extend from the respective first and second air ducts into the predetermined path. The deflectors direct air flow upwardly and inwardly, thereby enhancing the pneumatic force urging the articles downstream.

Abstract: A buffer storage machine for a bottle conveyor line includes a drum 15 rotatably indexed in a frame 14 by a motor 17. A number of radial struts 20 extend outwardly from the drum casing 19, and together with longitudinal members 21, 22, angle brackets 23 and straightedges 25, define sector shaped slots 30 for storing a row of bottles. A pneumatic transport box 32 extends the length of the machine above the uppermost row, and is raiseable to enable drum rotation. The machine is interposed between a bottle manufacturing unit 2 and a bottle filling unit 4 with half of the rows filled and the other half empty, such that if either unit is temporarily stopped, the other unit can continue operating.

Abstract: An intersection is provided for bottle conveyor lines having individual neck guide pairs. The intersection comprises a transfer plate and a pair of changing plates. The transfer plate includes a substantially Y-shaped opening extending to the edges thereof and comprising two arm members and a leg member defining a central plate portion and side plate portions. Each arm member when combined with the leg member forms a substantially continuously curving bottle path. The changing plates are movable, preferably vertically, between first positions in planar alignment with the transfer plate and second positions clear of bottles moving along the paths. The changing plates include an edge spanning one bottle path from opposite sides of the leg portion of the Y-shaped opening to the point of intersection of the converging edges of the central plate to complete the bottle supporting guides along the other bottle path.

Abstract: An air conveyor for articles having outwardly extending flanges. The air conveyor includes a plenum chamber having a base portion, walls extending from said base portion to form a conveying channel, flange guides mounted to said walls for supporting articles beneath their flanges, and apertures in the walls beneath the flange guides for directing air from the plenum chamber toward the articles beneath the flanges. A reduced friction flange guide which may be used with the air conveyor includes flange guides angled with respect to the flanges. A relatively quickly and easily adjustable article guide which may be used with the conveyor includes a pair of article guides movable between a first position for guiding articles having a first size and shape, and a second position.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer handling apparatus and method for transferring a wafer, one of whose faces has been already polished, from a wafer holder, which holds the wafer with the wafer's polished face facing downward, to a wafer cassette submerged in water contained in a water tank; the apparatus includes a wafer receive assembly and a water tank and the wafer receive assembly has a flat surface and is adapted to swing between an up-facing position at which the flat surface faces upward and a down-facing position at which the flat surface faces downward, and the wafer receive assembly is provided with ejection nozzles which eject water with a force sufficient to keep the wafer floating, and the water tank contains a wafer cassette to receive the wafer, and is capable of forcing the wafer which is left to sink in the water to enter the wafer cassette; whereas the method comprises: dropping the wafer from the wafer holder with the polished face facing downward onto a thin water layer formed over the wafer receive

Abstract: The separation of thin disk-type workpieces from a stack has, as a rule, hitherto been carried out by hand. An apparatus and a corresponding method are now provided which make it possible to lift the wafer off the stack without mechanical contact, and also to convey the separated wafers to the tray and to introduce them in an automated way without damage. In this method, a stack of disk-type workpieces is introduced into a wafer magazine with a feed unit which brings the uppermost wafer of the wafer stack into the sphere of action of a fluid medium which emerges under pressure in a preferred direction from a nozzle system. A dam makes it possible to remove a single wafer. The apparatus and the method make possible separation without damage while increasing the yield. In conjunction with a conveying apparatus, an apparatus for tray filling processing lines can be built up for automatically treating disk-type workpieces without damage.

Abstract: A filler material dispensing and recycling machine including an emptying table with louvers for directing a flow of air over the surface of the table. Incoming packages may be emptied on the table, the items packed therein removed from the filler material which also was therein, and then the air flow sweeps the filler material from the table and back into a filler material hopper. Outgoing containers may also be packed with filler material, arriving on a conveyor, passing under a dispensing tube connected to the filler material hopper, filled with filler material from the hopper, and then traveling onward on the conveyor. A collection hopper adjacent the edge of the emptying table collects filler material swept off the table, and presents the filler material to an air conveyor system which carries the filler material back to the filler material hopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for transporting particularly a powdery material for example from a silo after discharge. The apparatus comprises a flexible hose (1) the inside of which is provided with members (2) for fluidizing the material to be transported. These members are formed in the longitudinal direction of the hose as elements (3) functioning independently of one another.

Abstract: A damperless, controlled speed, coverless, isometric air conveyor and method for conveying lightweight containers en masse or individually at a controlled speed includes a first set of louvers extending through a conveyor surface from a common plenum at an incline to a conveying surface so that the air passing through the louvers has a downstream force vector of a first magnitude. A second set of louvers extend through the conveyor surface from the common plenum at an incline to the conveyor surface so that the air passing through the louvers has an upstream force vector of a second magnitude which is less than the first magnitude thereby creating a vector force differential in the downstream direction at any given location under the bottom of each container to cause movement of the containers in the downstream direction.